US11771173B1 - Footwear with fluid distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing footwear that facilitate distribution of a fluid held by the footwear to a foot of a user are described. A footwear structure embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sole including an upper layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer coupled between the upper layer and the bottom layer, the sole defining a cavity through the upper layer and at least a portion of the intermediate layer; and a fluid distribution structure sized and dimensioned to fit at least partially within the cavity, the fluid distribution structure including a fluid retention portion configured to retain a fluid for release to a foot of a user when the user introduces the foot onto the sole and in contact with at least a portion of the fluid retention portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/084,044, filed Sep. 28, 2020, and titled “FOOTWEAR WITH FLUID DISTRIBUTION.” U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/084,044 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Footwear, such as shoes, boots, socks, and the like, provide comfort, stability, and protection for a user's foot during use. The soles of footwear can include multiple portions to interact with the ground (e.g., an outsole), to provide additional structure or stability to the sole (e.g., a midsole), and to interface with a user's foot (e.g., an insole), each with differing structures dependent on a function of the footwear. For example, athletic footwear can have sole structures that provide cushioning and stability, whereas dress or formal shoes can have sole structures that support lifts or heels.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods for providing footwear that facilitate distribution of a fluid held by the footwear to a foot of a user are described. A footwear structure embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sole including an upper layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer coupled between the upper layer and the bottom layer, the sole defining a cavity through the upper layer and at least a portion of the intermediate layer; and a fluid distribution structure sized and dimensioned to fit at least partially within the cavity, the fluid distribution structure including a fluid retention portion configured to retain a fluid for release to a foot of a user when the user introduces the foot onto the sole and in contact with at least a portion of the fluid retention portion.

In an aspect, a footwear structure embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a fabric sock structure defining an interior and including a sole having an upper layer within the interior; a first fastener coupled to the upper layer within the interior; and a fluid distribution structure sized and dimensioned to fit within the interior of the fabric sock structure, the fluid distribution structure including a fluid retention portion coupled to a substrate and including a second corresponding fastener coupled to the substrate to removably affix the fluid distribution structure to the sole, the fluid retention portion configured to retain a fluid for release to a foot of a user when the user introduces the foot onto the sole and in contact with at least a portion of the fluid retention portion.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG.1 is a top view of a footwear sole having a fluid distribution structure in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG.2 is a side view of a footwear structure having an upper coupled to the footwear sole ofFIG.1.

FIG.3 is an isometric view of a footwear structure having an aperture configured to support a fluid distribution structure in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG.4 is a cross sectional view of the footwear structure ofFIG.3, taken along A-A, showing a removeable and replaceable fluid distribution structure to be received in the aperture formed partially through the midsole.

FIG.5 is an exploded view of the footwear structure ofFIG.4, showing a removeable and replaceable fluid distribution structure to be received in the aperture.

FIG.6 is a cross sectional view of the footwear structure ofFIG.3, taken along A-A, showing a support platform formed by the outsole to be received in the aperture formed through the midsole to support the removeable and replaceable fluid distribution structure in the aperture.

FIG.7 is an exploded view of the footwear structure ofFIG.6, showing the support platform formed by the outsole and the removeable and replaceable fluid distribution structure to be received in the aperture supported by the support platform.

FIG.8 is a cross sectional view of a footwear structure having a sock structure configured to receive a removeable and replaceable fluid distribution structure within an interior of the sock structure in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG.9 is a cross sectional view of a footwear structure having a sock structure configured to receive a removeable and replaceable fluid distribution structure via an insert within an interior of the sock structure in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Footwear incorporates many different types of sole structures to allow specific footwear to function within desired applications. For example, athletic footwear commonly has sole structures that differ from the design of soles for dress or formal footwear. Oftentimes, footwear includes sole structures that are designed to wick away fluids from an individual's foot to facilitate a dry interior in the region from the insole to the upper. For instance, the sole of the foot typically has a high concentration of sweat pores and thick layers of skin, where substantial moisture within the shoe interior can cause discomfort and odor. However, the foot also incorporates substantial amounts of blood vessels, particularly in the heel region, where traditional sole structures keep fluids away from these areas of the foot.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to systems and methods for providing footwear that facilitate distribution of a fluid held by the footwear to a foot of a user. In an aspect, the footwear includes a sole having a fluid retention portion positioned on an upper surface of the sole. The fluid retention portion can define a reservoir or matrix configured to receive and hold a fluid (e.g., an oil, lotion, cream, emulsion, medicament, or the like, or combinations thereof) on the upper surface of the sole such that, when a user places their foot in contact with the sole, a portion of the user's foot can interact with the fluid held by the fluid retention portion. In implementations, the fluid retention portion is positioned at a rear portion of the insole such that that heel of the individual is configured to contact the fluid retention portion when the footwear is worn by the individual.

The footwear can include support structures to house or otherwise secure a fluid distribution structure to one or more portions of the sole of the footwear. In an embodiment, the sole includes an insole defining an aperture through which the fluid distribution structure can pass for introduction into an interior of the sole. For example, the midsole can define an aperture that extends partially into the midsole that aligns with the aperture in the insole. When the fluid distribution structure is received into the apertures of the insole and midsole, the midsole at least partially surrounds the fluid distribution structure to support the fluid distribution structure on the midsole. In implementations, the fluid distribution structure includes the fluid retention portion, which substantially aligns with the aperture in the insole, such as to provide a substantially continuous surface on which the heel of the user can rest.

The support structures to house or otherwise secure the fluid distribution structure can be formed, at least in part, by the outsole. For example, the outsole can form a support platform to be received in an aperture formed through the midsole, such that the support platform extends upwards from the outsole and into the aperture of the midsole to support a removeable and replaceable fluid distribution structure at least partially within the aperture. In implementations, the insole forms a corresponding aperture that aligns with the aperture through the midsole to permit introduction of the removeable and replaceable fluid distribution structure through the insole and into the midsole to contact an upper surface of the support platform. In implementations, the fluid distribution structure includes the fluid retention portion, which substantially aligns with the aperture in the insole, such as to provide a substantially continuous surface on which the heel of the user can rest.

Example Implementations

Referring toFIGS.1-9, afootwear structure100 is shown in accordance with example embodiments. Thefootwear structure100 generally includes a sole102 and afluid retention portion222 coupled with the sole102. Thefootwear structure100 can include, or can be included as a portion of, a shoe, a boot, a sock, or other footwear device to facilitate delivery of one or more fluids from thefootwear structure100 to one or more portions of a foot of the user. For example, as shown inFIG.1, thefluid retention portion222 is coupled to anupper surface106 of the sole102 adjacent arear end108 of the sole102. Thefluid retention portion222 can be attached to the sole102, such as through an adhesive, fastener, or combinations thereof. In implementations, theupper surface106 is defined on an exterior surface of the insole of thefootwear structure100.

Thefluid retention portion222 retains a fluid on thefootwear structure100 for release to the foot of the user when the user introduces the foot onto or into the footwear structure to interact with thefluid retention portion222. In implementations, thefluid retention portion222 defines a reservoir or matrix configured to receive and hold a fluid on theupper surface106 of the sole102 such that, when a user places their foot in contact with the sole102, a portion of the user's foot can interact with the fluid held by thefluid retention portion222. For example, the fluid can include, but is not limited to, an oil, lotion, cream, emulsion, medicament, or the like, or combinations thereof, supported on or within thefluid retention portion222. In implementations, the fluid includes a blend of oils provided for interaction with the foot of the individual, such as for direct contact absorption into the skin. During use, the foot of the user exerts a downward force against thefluid retention portion222 which in turn can release at least a portion of the fluid against the foot in response to pressure changes in the material of thefluid retention portion222. In implementations, the fluid is utilized to counteract discomfort, ailments, odor, or the like experienced by the user through contact of the fluid with the heel and/or another portion of the foot.

Thefluid retention portion222 can be constructed from a fibrous material configured to hold the fluid on thefluid retention portion222 when in a neutral or uncompressed state (e.g., when not interacting with the user's foot) and to release at least a portion of the fluid when in a compressed state (e.g., when interacting with the user's foot). For example, in implementations, thefluid retention portion222 includes a wool material, such as a natural wool, synthetic wool, or combinations thereof. In implementations, thefluid retention portion222 is constructed of a material that is distinct from the material of the sole102 surrounding or supporting thefluid retention portion222. For example, the sole102 can include a material, including but not limited to, bamboo that supports a wool-basedfluid retention portion222. Alternatively or additionally, thefluid retention portion222 includes a coloration or visual pattern distinct from the other portions of the sole102. In implementations, at least a portion of the sole102 is constructed from a bamboo material that is scented or otherwise fluid treated, such as by being treated with an oil, lotion, medicament, fluid, or other material.

Thefluid retention portion222 is shown inFIG.1 as being positioned adjacent therear end108 of the sole102 to interact with a heel of the foot of the user, however thefootwear structure100 is not limited to suchfluid retention portion222 positioning. For instance, thefootwear structure100 can include thefluid retention portion222 positioned at one or more additional or alternative positions on thefootwear structure100, including, but not limited to, acentral position110 of the sole102 (e.g., to interact with an arch of the foot), adjacent afront end112 of the sole102 (e.g., to interact with toes of the foot, the ball of the foot, or combinations thereof), or other position on the sole102.

Referring toFIG.2, thefootwear structure100 is shown with the sole102 being coupled with an upper200 configured to form a sandal. Thefootwear structure100 provides support for the user's foot and body, while also absorbing/dissipating force while moving and standing to support alignment of the foot and leg joints with the spine. The sole102 can be constructed from multiple layers of material coupled together. For example, the sole102 is shown inFIG.2 as including anupper layer202, anintermediate layer204, and abottom layer206. Theupper layer202 can provide an insole for thefootwear structure100 and can include theupper surface106. In implementations, theupper layer202 is formed at least partially from a bamboo material that is scented or otherwise fluid-treated, such as by being treated with an oil, lotion, medicament, fluid, or other material. For example, theupper layer202 can be formed from woven bamboo strips that have been fluid-treated with an oil, lotion, medicament, fluid, or other material.

Theintermediate layer204 can provide a midsole for thefootwear structure100 and is coupled between theupper layer202 and thebottom layer206. For example, theintermediate layer204 can be affixed between theupper layer202 and thebottom layer206 via an adhesive material, a fastener, or combinations thereof. Theintermediate layer204 can include a material that conforms to the contours of the user's foot during usage. For example, in implementations, at least a portion of theintermediate layer204 includes a cork material. In implementations, theintermediate layer204 is constructed from a material that does not substantially expand upon exposure to liquid, such as by having less than a 10% change in volume upon exposure to the liquid held by thefluid retention portion222. Such material property can facilitate maintaining the structure of the sole102 in instances where the fluid interacts with the intermediate layer204 (e.g., at therear end108 of the sole102), such as by preventing absorption of the fluid, expansion of the material of theintermediate layer204, or the like.

Thebottom layer206 can include a structural material suitable for prolonged contact with the ground surface. For example, thebottom layer206 can include a rubber or synthetic rubber material, such as a material formed at least partially from a recycled tire material. Thebottom layer206 can define one or more ridges, grooves, or other textured surface treatment (shown inFIG.2 as208) to facilitate traction during ambulation.

The upper200 is shown inFIG.2 as providing an open-toed or sandal configuration for thefootwear structure100, however the present disclosure is not limited to such configuration. For example, the upper200 can include a structure to provide a closed-toed configuration, an enclosed-heel configuration, a boot configuration, or other upper configuration as desired for style, comfort, and wearability options.

Thefootwear structure100 can include support structures to house or otherwise secure a fluid distribution structure to one or more portions of the sole102. For example, referring toFIGS.3-7, thefootwear structure100 is shown with acavity300 in the sole102 to receive afluid distribution structure302 to support thefluid retention portion222 at least partially within the sole102 for access to the user's foot. Thefluid distribution structure302 is shown including thefluid retention portion222 secured to asubstrate304, which can be formed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, rubber, felt, plastic, wool, or the like, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, thefluid distribution structure302 can include thefluid retention portion222 for direct introduction into thecavity300 without an interveningsubstrate304. In implementations, all or a portion of thefluid retention portion222 can be covered with a mesh material, such as to assist with maintaining the structural integrity or shape of the material of thefluid retention portion222.

Thecavity300 can be formed through a variety of configurations of theupper layer202, theintermediate layer204, and thebottom layer206. For example, referring toFIGS.4 and5, thecavity300 is shown being formed from aligned apertures in theupper layer202 and theintermediate layer204. Theupper layer202 is shown defining aninsole aperture306 through which thefluid distribution structure302 can pass for introduction into an interior of the sole102. Theintermediate layer204 includes amidsole aperture308 that is vertically aligned with theinsole aperture306 to form thecavity300. Themidsole aperture308 extends partially into theintermediate layer204 such that aportion310 of theintermediate layer204 separates thecavity300 from thebottom layer206. When thefluid distribution structure302 is received into thecavity300, theintermediate layer204 at least partially surrounds thefluid distribution structure302 to support thefluid distribution structure204 on the upper surface of theportion310 of theintermediate layer204.

In implementations, thefluid distribution structure302 positions thefluid retention portion222 within thecavity300 to substantially align thefluid retention portion222 with theupper layer202 to provide a substantially continuous surface on which the foot of the user can rest during use of thefootwear structure100. For example, in implementations, when thefluid distribution structure302 is inserted into thecavity300, thesubstrate304 is positioned on theportion310 and remains beneath aboundary312 between theintermediate layer204 and theupper layer202. Thefluid retention portion222 can have a thickness such that thefluid retention portion222 extends from thesubstrate304 to cross theboundary312 between the between theintermediate layer204 and theupper layer202 to substantially align thefluid retention portion222 with theupper layer202. Alternatively or additionally, portions of thefluid retention portion222 can extend outwardly from thesubstrate304 beyond theupper layer202, such that, upon compression of thefluid retention portion222 by the user, thefluid retention portion222 aligns with theupper layer202 to provide a substantially continuous surface on which the foot of the user can rest during use of thefootwear structure100.

Referring toFIGS.6 and7, thecavity300 is shown being formed from portions of each of theupper layer202, theintermediate layer204, and thebottom layer206. Thebottom layer206 includes asupport platform600 extending upwards from a surface of thebottom layer206 to align with amidsole aperture602 that extends through theintermediate layer204. Thesupport platform600 extends upwards from thebottom layer206 and into themidsole aperture602 to support the removeable and replaceablefluid distribution structure302 at least partially within themidsole aperture602. In implementations, theinsole aperture306 aligns with themidsole aperture602 to permit introduction of the removeable and replaceablefluid distribution structure302 through theupper layer202 and into theintermediate layer204 to contact anupper surface604 of thesupport platform600.

In implementations, thefluid distribution structure302 positions thefluid retention portion222 within thecavity300 to substantially align thefluid retention portion222 with theupper layer202 to provide a substantially continuous surface on which the foot of the user can rest during use of thefootwear structure100. For example, in implementations, when thefluid distribution structure302 is inserted into thecavity300, thesubstrate304 is positioned on thesupport platform600 beneath theboundary312 between theintermediate layer204 and theupper layer202. Thefluid retention portion222 can have a thickness such that thefluid retention portion222 extends from thesubstrate304 to cross theboundary312 between the between theintermediate layer204 and theupper layer202 to substantially align thefluid retention portion222 with theupper layer202. Alternatively or additionally, portions of thefluid retention portion222 can extend outwardly from thesubstrate304 beyond theupper layer202, such that, upon compression of thefluid retention portion222 by the user, thefluid retention portion222 aligns with theupper layer202 to provide a substantially continuous surface on which the foot of the user can rest during use of thefootwear structure100.

The removeable and replaceablefluid distribution structure302 can include structures to temporarily affix thefluid distribution structure302 within thecavity300, such as to prevent thefluid retention portion222, thesubstrate304, or combinations thereof from leaving thecavity300 during use of thefootwear structure100. In implementations, thefluid retention portion222, thesubstrate304, or combinations thereof includes a fastener to temporarily affix thefluid distribution structure302 to one or more surfaces of thecavity300. For example, thesubstrate304 is shown having afastener314 coupled to a bottom surface of thesubstrate304 to interface with acorresponding fastener316 in the cavity300 (e.g., positioned on theportion310 of theintermediate layer204 or on theupper surface604 of the support platform600). Thefasteners314,316 can include, but are not limited to, adhesives, hook and loop structures, snap structures, clip structures, or the like, where thefootwear structure100 can include thefasteners314,316 individually or in combination.

Thecavity300 is shown inFIGS.3-7 andFIG.9 as being positioned adjacent therear end108 of the sole102 to permit interaction between the fluid retention portion222 (and liquid held thereon) with a heel of the foot of the user, where some of the body's largest pores are located for efficient infusion of the liquid from thefluid retention portion222 into the user's skin, however thefootwear structure100 is not limited tosuch cavity300 positioning. For instance, thefootwear structure100 can include thecavity300 positioned at one or more additional or alternative positions on thefootwear structure100, including, but not limited to, thecentral position110 of the sole102 (e.g., to interact with an arch of the foot), adjacent thefront end112 of the sole102 (e.g., to interact with toes of the foot, the ball of the foot, or combinations thereof), or other position on the sole102.

During use of thefootwear structure100 with thecavity300, the user can introduce the removeable and replaceablefluid distribution structure302 into thecavity300 to be supported by theportion310 of theintermediate layer204, thesupport platform600, or combinations thereof. Thefluid distribution structure302 includes thefluid retention portion222 and fluid held by thefluid retention portion222, which can be introduced to thefluid retention portion222 prior to introduction to thecavity300, subsequent to introduction to thecavity300, or the like. During ambulation or when otherwise pushing the foot against thefootwear structure100, the foot of the user exerts a downward force against thefluid retention portion222 to cause deformation of at least a portion of thefluid retention portion222. As thefluid retention portion222 deforms, at least a portion of the fluid is released against the foot in response to pressure changes in the material of thefluid retention portion222. Thefluid distribution structure302 can be removed from thecavity300 and replaced with a differentfluid distribution structure302, such as when use of thefootwear structure100 results in wear or fouling of thefluid retention portion222. Additional fluid can be introduced to a multi-usefluid retention portion222, or can be introduced to thefootwear structure100 through a differentfluid distribution structure302.

Referring toFIG.8, thefootwear structure100 is shown in a sock embodiment with the removeable and replaceablefluid distribution structure302 configured to be inserted into an interior800 of asock structure802 formed from a stretchable and deformable textile material. For instance, thesock structure802 can include thefastener316 on anupper surface804 of the sole102 or otherwise embedded into the material of the sock. As shown, thefastener316 is coupled to theupper surface804 of the sole102 near aheel portion808 of the sock to permit interaction between the fluid retention portion222 (and liquid held thereon) with a heel of the foot of the user where some of the body's largest pores are located for efficient infusion of the liquid from thefluid retention portion222 into the user's skin, however thefootwear structure100 is not limited to such positioning of thefluid retention portion222. For instance, thefootwear structure100 can include thefastener316 positioned at one or more additional or alternative positions on thefootwear structure100, including, but not limited to, acentral position810 of the sole102 (e.g., to interact with an arch of the foot), adjacent afront end812 of the sole102 (e.g., to interact with toes of the foot, the ball of the foot, or combinations thereof), or other position on the sole102 within theinterior800 of thesock structure802.

Thesock structure802 can be formed from a material that differs that the material forming thefluid retention portion222. For example, in implementations, at least a portion of thesock structure802 is formed from a bamboo fabric and thefluid retention portion222 is formed from wool. For example, thesock structure802 can be formed from a blend of bamboo fabric and one or more additional synthetic or natural thread products (e.g., nylon, elastic, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, thesock structure802 can be formed from a first wool material and thefluid retention portion222 can be formed from a second wool material. In implementations, thesock structure802 is scented or otherwise fluid treated, such as by being treated with an oil, lotion, medicament, fluid, or other material.

During use of thefootwear structure100 having thesock structure802, the user can introduce the removeable and replaceablefluid distribution structure302 into the interior800 to be supported by theupper surface804 of the sole102 (e.g.,coupling fastener314 with fastener316). Thefluid distribution structure302 includes thefluid retention portion222 and fluid held by thefluid retention portion222, which can be introduced to thefluid retention portion222 prior to introduction to the interior800, subsequent to introduction to the interior800, or the like. During ambulation or when otherwise pushing the foot against thefootwear structure100, the foot of the user exerts a downward force against thefluid retention portion222 to cause deformation of at least a portion of thefluid retention portion222. As thefluid retention portion222 deforms, at least a portion of the fluid is released against the foot in response to pressure changes in the material of thefluid retention portion222. Thefluid distribution structure302 can be removed from the interior800 and replaced with a differentfluid distribution structure302, such as when use of thefootwear structure100 results in wear or fouling of thefluid retention portion222. Additional fluid can be introduced to a multi-usefluid retention portion222, or can be introduced to thefootwear structure100 through a differentfluid distribution structure302.

Referring toFIG.9, thefootwear structure100 is shown in a sock embodiment with the removeable and replaceablefluid distribution structure302 configured to be inserted into an interior800 of asock structure802 via the sole102 forming an insert placed into the interior800 (e.g., extending from theheel portion808 to the front end812). For instance, the sole insert can be formed from theintermediate layer204 and theupper layer202 to receive thefluid distribution structure302 into thecavity300 formed by the sole102. In implementations, thebottom layer206 can be included in the insert, however thebottom layer206 is excluded from the embodiment shown inFIG.9. Theintermediate layer204 and theupper layer202 can define thecavity300 to receive thefluid distribution structure302 within thecavity300 to hold thefluid retention portion222 in place within thesock structure802. For example, theupper layer202 is shown with an insole aperture (e.g., as described with reference toFIGS.3-5) through which thefluid distribution structure302 can pass for introduction into an interior of the sole102. Theintermediate layer204 includes a midsole aperture that is vertically aligned with the insole aperture to form thecavity300. The midsole aperture extends partially into theintermediate layer204 such that a portion of theintermediate layer204 separates thecavity300 from theupper surface804 of the sock structure802 (e.g., as described with reference toFIGS.3-5). When thefluid distribution structure302 is received into thecavity300, theintermediate layer204 at least partially surrounds thefluid distribution structure302 to support thefluid distribution structure302 on theintermediate layer204. While the sole insert is described being configured to be introduced to thesock structure802, it will be appreciated that the sole insert can be used with a variety of footwear structures including, but not limited to, sandals, shoes, boots, and the like.

In implementations, the sole insert includes anoverlap900 to secure a portion of thefluid retention portion222 between theintermediate layer204 and theupper layer202. For example, the sole insert shown inFIG.9 provides theoverlap900 adjacent thecavity300 to provide a portion of thefluid retention portion222 betweenintermediate layer204 and theupper layer202 to hold thefluid distribution structure302 within thecavity300.Such overlap900 can provide a secure fit of thefluid distribution structure302 on the sole insert, which can maintain positioning of thefluid distribution structure302 during use and ambulation by the user. The sole insert can additionally or alternatively include structures to temporarily affix thefluid distribution structure302 within thecavity300, such as by including thefastener314 coupled to a bottom surface of thesubstrate304 to interface with acorresponding fastener316 in the cavity300 (e.g., positioned on theintermediate layer204. In implementations, thefluid retention portion222 extends upward from thecavity300 and extends beyond theupper layer202 such that, when compressed by the user during use of thefootwear structure100, a top portion of thefluid retention portion222 is at least partially above theupper layer202, is even with theupper layer202, or is substantially adjacent theupper layer202 to provide a substantially continuous surface to support the user's foot.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims (11)

The invention claimed is:

1. A footwear structure for distribution of a fluid to a foot of a user, comprising:

a sole including an upper layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer coupled between the upper layer and the bottom layer, the sole defining a cavity through the upper layer and at least a portion of the intermediate layer; and

a fluid distribution structure sized and dimensioned to fit at least partially within the cavity, the fluid distribution structure including a fluid retention portion configured to retain a fluid for release to a foot of a user when the user introduces the foot onto the sole and in contact with at least a portion of the fluid retention portion,

wherein the bottom layer defines a support platform extending upwards from a surface of the bottom layer, the support platform configured to support the fluid distribution structure within the cavity, the support platform including a fastener coupled to an upper surface of the support platform to removably affix the fluid distribution structure within the cavity.

2. The footwear structure ofclaim 1, wherein the cavity is formed from a first aperture defined through the upper layer and a second aperture partially through the intermediate layer, the first aperture aligned with the second aperture.

3. The footwear structure ofclaim 1, wherein the cavity is formed from a first aperture defined through the upper layer, a second aperture defined through the intermediate layer, and the upper surface of the support platform.

4. The footwear structure ofclaim 3, wherein the first aperture is aligned with the second aperture, and wherein the support platform is aligned with the second aperture.

5. The footwear structure ofclaim 1, wherein the fluid distribution structure includes the fluid retention portion coupled to a substrate.

6. The footwear structure ofclaim 5, wherein at least a portion of the substrate is configured to rest on the support platform within the cavity.

7. The footwear structure ofclaim 6, wherein the substrate is positioned beneath a boundary between the upper layer and the intermediate layer when the fluid distribution structure is positioned on the support platform.

8. The footwear structure ofclaim 7, wherein the fluid retention portion extends from the substrate and crosses the boundary between the upper layer and the intermediate layer when the fluid distribution structure is positioned on the support platform.

9. The footwear structure ofclaim 7, wherein a portion of the fluid retention portion extends beyond the upper layer when the fluid distribution structure is positioned on the support platform.

10. The footwear structure ofclaim 7, wherein the fluid retention portion and the upper layer form a substantially continuous surface to interface with the foot of the user.

11. The footwear structure ofclaim 5, wherein the fluid distribution structure includes a second corresponding fastener coupled to the substrate to removably couple the fluid distribution structure to the support platform.

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